Microsoft to end support for older desktop version of Skype from September 1

On Monday, Microsoft rolled out a new version of Skype for desktop and said that they will end support for the older version on September 1. They announced this in a blog post on Monday. “We built Skype version 8.0 based on feedback from our community, adding exciting new features while ensuring it is simple to use with the same familiar interface of Skype version 7.0,” reads the post.

Skype 8.0 includes many new features such as free HD video and group calls that can accommodate as many as 24 people. It also includes message reactions, “@mentions” to send individual notifications in a group chat, a chat media gallery and an option to share up to 300MB of pictures and videos at a time over Skype.

Microsoft says the new version is more reliable and has faster load times. Users can upgrade for free. Skype team also plans to roll out additional features later which would include read receipts, end-to-end encrypted Skype audio calls and text messages with hidden notifications, cloud-based video call recordings with notification for everyone present during the call, profile invites and many such features. Some of these features are also being rolled out.

The newer version is not just limited to desktops, it will also be available for iPads.